Wednesday, September 10, 2008

South Korea is shocked again with the death of Korean actor Ahn Jae-hwan from an apparent suicide from toxic smoke inhalation. His decomposed body was found in his sports utility vehicle on Monday morning of September 8, 2008. The police have classified his death as suicide and are now investigating the actual motives that led to him taking this unfortunate path.

The 36-year-old actor leaves behind his wife, comedienne Jung Sun-hee. Ahn Jae Hwan and wife Jung Sun Hee were one of the famous celebrity couples in the Korean entertainment industry and had just tied the knot last November after dating for just three months.

His suicide is speculated to have come from his repeated failures at business ventures and failing health. Ahn had gained popularity by appearing in numerous TV dramas such as "Tears of Diamond", and "My 29-year-old Stepfather". Along with his elite image as a Seoul National University graduate, he acquired a unique position in the entertainment world and branched out into other businesses.

Ahn owned several bars, restaurants and shoe stores, and was reportedly heading for bankruptcy for which he recently had to sell a lucrative bar he owned in Gangnam as a last resort. It was revealed that he owed about 4 billion won to private moneylenders. The loan sharks had threatened his wife, calling on her to repay the debt.

Three suicide notes were left behind where Ahn Jae Hwan expressed his love for his wife, saying sorry to his parents and finally donating the organs in his body if it was discovered in time.